Just got laid off - how long until TWC unemployment benefits start for semi-monthly pay?

First, take a deep breath - you'll get through this. File your initial claim ASAP on the TWC website. With semi-monthly pay, they'll convert it to weekly amounts when calculating your benefit. Here's what to expect: 1. Apply online at twc.texas.gov (much faster than calling) 2. You'll get a determination letter within 2-3 weeks 3. If approved, you'll receive a PIN for payment requests 4. Request payments every two weeks (mark your calendar!) 5. First payment typically arrives 3-4 weeks after initial application if there are no issues Bring your termination paperwork and last paystub when you file. They'll use your wages from the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters to calculate your weekly benefit amount. Remember you'll need to complete at least 3 work search activities each week once you start requesting payments.

TWC is a NIGHTMARE!!! I got laid off in January and it took them SIX WEEKS to approve my claim!!! Called HUNDREDS of times and couldn't get through to a real person. Bills piling up, credit card debt, almost got evicted. System is BROKEN!! And when they finally approved me, they only gave me $320 a week which doesn't even cover half my rent!!! The determination letter will say one thing but then your account shows something else. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!!

I think it was like 3 weeks for me? But I dunno if that's typical or what. The work search thing is a pain, you have to apply to jobs and keep track of it all.

After waiting on hold with TWC for hours over multiple days and never getting through, I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a TWC agent within 20 minutes. Saved me so much frustration! I was able to confirm my claim status and ask about my semi-monthly payment calculation. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh - definitely worth it when you need to speak to someone at TWC quickly.

To answer your specific questions about semi-monthly pay: 1. TWC will convert your semi-monthly earnings to quarterly wages when calculating your benefit amount 2. Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) will be about 1/25 of your highest quarter earnings, capped at $694/week in 2025 3. The waiting period is indeed typically 3-4 weeks for first payment 4. You will be paid for all eligible weeks (except the waiting week) once approved For work search activities, these count: - Submitting job applications - Attending interviews - Creating a profile on WorkInTexas.com - Attending job fairs - Taking skills assessments - Participating in reemployment workshops Make sure to keep detailed records of all your work search activities - date, employer name, position, application method, contact information, etc. TWC can request verification at any time.

my cousin got laid off from her job last month and shes still waiting for her first payment. she says the website is super confusing and she keeps getting different answers when she calls them. i think she said something about a "waiting week" where they dont pay you for the first week no matter what? not sure if thats still a thing

Quick tip about your semi-monthly pay: When you file, TWC might ask for your regular rate of pay. If your semi-monthly amount varies, give them an average. They'll access your wage records from your employer to verify, but having accurate information speeds up the process. Also, start tracking your expenses now and adjust your budget. Even with unemployment, you'll likely need to cut back since benefits only replace about 40-50% of most people's wages.

One thing I wish someone had told me: set up direct deposit right away when you file! It's much faster than waiting for the debit card they mail out. Also, make sure you request your payment on your designated filing day (based on the last digit of your SSN). If you miss it, you can file on Wednesday or Thursday, but missing your payment request can delay things even more.

Thank you all so much for the responses! I feel much more prepared now. I'm going to file my initial claim tonight and set up direct deposit right away. I'll also start tracking my expenses and cutting back where I can. Good to know about the work search requirements too - I'll start keeping detailed records of all applications. One last question - once I'm approved, do I need to do anything special for tax purposes? Do they withhold taxes from unemployment benefits?